I Sequestrati di Altona (1962)
Directed by Vittorio De Sica

Film Synopsis

After being diagnosed with an untreatable cancer, the immensely wealthy German industrialist Albrecht von Gerlach summons his son Werner with the intention of making him his heir.  Aware of Albrech's close ties with the Nazis during the Second World War, Werner is reluctant to take over the family business.  Unbeknown to the outside world, the natural heir to the magnate's fortune is his eldest son Franz, who is still alive and living in hiding at the family home in Altona.

A convicted war criminal, Franz is believed to have been executed, but he was rescued and has since lived in his house as a recluse, cared for by his younger sister Leni.  The latter deludes her brother into thinking that their country has been decimated and is now overrun by the enemy.  To relieve her husband of a burdensome responsibility, Werner's wife Johanna forces her way into Franz's room and reveals to him what has really become of Germany since the end of the war.  The truth is more than he can bear...